Power
The rated power of the device, in fact, is the power of the engine installed in it.
The higher this indicator, the more performant this model is, the more suitable for “heavy” work and the more applications can be provided in the design. For example, in the case of mixers (see “Appliance type”), a power of up to 250 W is considered good for liquid products; for more solid tasks, like kneading tough dough, you should pay attention to more powerful models. Detailed recommendations on optimal power can be found in special sources.
Note that powerful devices are usually equipped with more durable nozzles that can withstand high loads.
Number of speeds
The number of speeds of rotation of the nozzles provided in the mixer / blender.
The presence of several speeds allows you to adjust the operating mode of the device to a particular situation. For example, a liquid omelet can be whipped at high speed, but it is better to choose a slower mode for kneading dough. The more speeds provided in the device, the more versatile it is, the more accurately it can be configured for a specific task. In simple household models, from 3 to 6 settings are usually provided, in the most advanced devices their number can reach two dozen.
Turbo mode
Turbo mode allows you to significantly increase the speed of rotation of the mixer nozzles for a short time. In this way, unevenness in the whipped product can be quickly and efficiently eliminated, which is especially valuable at the end of whipping. However, note that the turbo mode can only be turned on for a short time, otherwise there is a risk of overheating of the motor.
Capacities
Types of capacities that the device was originally equipped with.
In addition to
the main bowl, the package may include
a bowl for chopping,
a coffee grinder,
a measuring cup and a
travel shaker bowl. All of them are described in detail in this list, with the exception of the shaker — see a separate paragraph below about it.
— Main bowl. The main capacity of an appliance is called the general purpose bowl, and its design varies depending on the type of device. It can be a deep bowl for stand mixers, a jug with knives at the bottom for countertop blenders, or a chopper jar with removable knives for hand blenders and choppers. However, not all appliances come with a main bowl, and in some cases, users are expected to choose their own container.
— Bowl for chopping. Capacity with removable knives is an essential component for chopping products. This container is typically referred to as a grinding bowl, and when it's included in a grinder's delivery set, it's considered the main bowl. However, some devices have a grinding bowl as the main bowl, and knives are a necessary part of its structure.
— Grinder (for coffee). The coffee grinder container is specifically designed for grinding coffee, nuts, spices, sugar, and other products. It usually contains knives similar to th
...ose in blenders, but is distinguishable from the main blender container due to its much smaller volume.
— Measuring cup. The measuring capacity is a transparent glass with a scale that enables the user to measure specific volumes of liquid and bulk products. The accuracy of the scale may vary, but for regular use, it's typically sufficient.Blending arm material
The blending arm consists of a tube with a bladed knife located at one end. Specified for
immersion blenders(see “Device type”) and other devices equipped with the appropriate attachment (see “Attachments”). Usually there are such options:
—
Plastic. Plastic is a popular material for blending arms because it is lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to manufacture in various colors and even transparency. It is susceptible to scratches and less strong than metal, but this is not critical as blending arms are not subject to significant stress. Overall, plastic is a convenient and widely used material.
—
Metal. Metal blending arms are strong and scratch-resistant, giving them a solid appearance. However, they are heavier and more expensive than plastic ones, making them more commonly used in premium blender models where design is as important as functionality.